100 Everyday Products You Should Stop Buying and Start Making to Save Big and Live Sustainably

Do you really want to drive to the store every time you run out of dish soap, or spend $10 on deodorant when you can make it at home for just a few bucks? The truth is, so many of the products we rely on can be made at home, and it’s much easier and cheaper than you think! Living a self-sufficient lifestyle not only saves money but also reduces your carbon footprint by cutting down on packaging waste and harmful chemicals.

Once you learn how to make everyday cleaning products, food items, and personal care items, you'll save countless trips to the store, reduce plastic waste, and rid your home of potentially harmful chemicals. Not to mention the satisfaction of knowing you're becoming more self-reliant every day.

To help you get started, here’s a list of 100 household items you should stop buying and start making. You’ll find simple recipes, tutorials, and DIY guides to create everything from cleaning products to food staples— all while saving money and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

• Antiseptic Ointment: Make a natural antiseptic to heal cuts and scrapes without the harsh chemicals found in store-bought versions.

• Body Butter: Ditch the expensive brands and create your own luxurious body butter with just a few natural ingredients.

Learn to make natural, effective remedies for common ailments using The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies, a guide to self-sufficient health solutions.

• Body Scrub: Exfoliate naturally and reveal fresh, glowing skin with homemade scrubs made from sugar or coffee grounds.

• Body Wash: Enjoy a nourishing, chemical-free cleanse with homemade body wash recipes using ingredients like coconut oil and essential oils.

• Bug Spray: Avoid DEET and other harmful chemicals by making your own all-natural bug spray to keep pests away.

• Deodorant: Make a natural deodorant that keeps you fresh all day without the toxins found in most commercial brands.

• Lotion: Hydrate your skin with a homemade lotion made from shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil. This chemical-free lotion is easy to make and budget-friendly.

• Diaper Rash Cream: Keep your baby’s skin smooth and irritation-free with a simple DIY cream using zinc oxide and natural oils.

• Everyday Conditioner: Save money and keep your hair healthy with a homemade conditioner made from natural ingredients.

• Face Mask: Give your skin a deep moisturizing treatment with homemade masks made from honey, oatmeal, and other skin-loving ingredients.

• Hair Mask: Nourish your hair with a simple DIY mask using coconut oil or avocado to reduce split ends and promote hair growth.

• Hand Sanitizer: Make an effective, alcohol-based hand sanitizer at home that’s just as good as the store-bought kind.

• Hydration Fluid: Keep your family hydrated during illness with homemade electrolyte drinks made from natural ingredients.

• Leave-in Conditioner: Tame frizz and add shine with a leave-in conditioner you can easily make with just water, coconut milk, and essential oils.

• Lip Balm: Protect your lips from drying out with homemade lip balm that’s simple to make and safe to use.

• Lipstick: Create your own natural, moisturizing lipstick with food-safe coloring agents and oils.

• Makeup: Avoid harsh chemicals by making your own makeup, including foundation, blush, and eyeshadow, with natural minerals and oils.

• Makeup Brush Cleaner: Keep your makeup brushes clean and bacteria-free with an easy-to-make DIY cleaner using household ingredients.

• Mouthwash: Freshen your breath and fight bacteria with a homemade mouthwash using ingredients like baking soda and peppermint oil.

• Perfume & Cologne: Make a personalized fragrance using essential oils that rival expensive department store brands.

• Scented Bath Bombs: Save on overpriced bath bombs by making your own luxurious versions at home.

• Shampoo: Create a natural shampoo that cleanses and nourishes your hair, or try the “no poo” method with baking soda and vinegar.

• Shaving Cream: Get a smooth, razor burn-free shave with a DIY shaving cream made from coconut oil and shea butter.

• Skin-Nourishing Soap: Make your own chemical-free soap that’s gentle on the skin and customizable with your favorite scents.

• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with a homemade sunscreen using natural ingredients like coconut oil and zinc oxide.

• Toothpaste: Whiten your teeth and freshen your breath with a homemade toothpaste using baking soda and essential oils.

• Wrinkle Cream: Fight the signs of aging with a DIY wrinkle cream made from natural anti-aging ingredients like honey and eggs.

• All-Purpose Cleaner: Replace store-bought cleaners with a non-toxic, homemade version using vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

• Carpet Cleaner: Tackle tough stains and odors with a DIY carpet cleaner that’s safe for kids and pets.

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• Cloth Napkins: Ditch the paper and make your own reusable cloth napkins to save money and reduce waste.

• Dish Soap: Make a budget-friendly dish soap that cuts through grease and cleans just as well as the store-bought version.

• Dishwasher Detergent: Save on expensive dishwasher tablets by making your own detergent with just a few basic ingredients.

• Dust Cloths: Keep your home dust-free with homemade, reusable dusting cloths made from old T-shirts or towels.

• Floor Cleaner: Clean your floors naturally with a homemade solution that’s safe for kids and pets.

• Oven Cleaner: Skip the toxic fumes of store-bought cleaners and make your own oven cleaner with baking soda and vinegar.

• Reusable Swiffer Pads: Stop wasting money on disposable Swiffer pads—make your own reusable ones that are easy to wash.

• Silver Polish: Shine up your silverware and jewelry with a homemade silver polish made from baking soda and aluminum foil.

• Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Clean your toilet with homemade fizzy toilet bombs that tackle stains and odors without harsh chemicals.

• Un-Paper Towels: Reduce waste by switching to reusable, washable cloths that replace paper towels.

• Window Cleaner: Make a streak-free window cleaner using vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oil.

• Wood Polish: Polish and protect your wood furniture with a DIY polish made from olive oil and lemon juice.

• Boot Socks: Make cozy boot socks using recycled materials for a warm, stylish addition to your wardrobe.

• Fabric Deodorizer Spray: Freshen up your home with a DIY fabric refresher spray made with water, vinegar, and essential oils.

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• Laundry Detergent: Save on laundry detergent by making your own with washing soda, baking soda, and a few simple ingredients.

• Leather & Shoe Polish: Protect your leather shoes and bags with a homemade polish that brings back their shine.

• Reusable Dryer Sheets: Keep your clothes soft and static-free with reusable dryer sheets made from fabric scraps and essential oils.

• Shoe Deodorizing Spray: Keep your shoes smelling fresh with a simple DIY spray made from essential oils and baking soda.

• Stain Remover: Fight tough stains with a homemade stain remover made from hydrogen peroxide and dish soap.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Make your own apple cider vinegar using leftover apple scraps.

• Bread: Bake fresh, homemade bread that tastes better than anything you can buy at the store.

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• Bread Crumbs & Croutons: Use stale bread to make homemade bread crumbs or croutons for soups and salads.

• Brown Sugar: Make your own brown sugar by mixing white sugar with molasses.

• Buffalo Sauce: Create a delicious homemade buffalo sauce customized to your preferred level of heat.

• Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread: Make a healthier version of Nutella with simple, natural ingredients. Here's a guide to making spreads at home.

• Flour Tortillas: Skip store-bought tortillas and make soft, fresh tortillas at home.

• Graham Crackers: Bake your own graham crackers for snacking or as the base for pies and cheesecakes.

• Granola Bars: Make homemade granola bars for a healthier, preservative-free snack.

• Guacamole: Prepare fresh guacamole at home for a fraction of the price of store-bought versions.

• Herbs: Grow your own herbs indoors to add flavor to your meals without buying expensive bunches from the grocery store.

• Hot Sauce: Make your own hot sauce to save money and create your perfect level of spice.

• Cat Food: Make healthier food for your feline friends by using simple ingredients.

• Dog Treats: Keep your pets happy and healthy with DIY dog treats made from natural ingredients.

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• Compost: Start a compost pile at home to recycle food scraps and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

• Cat Toys: Make your own cat toys using recycled materials like old socks, string, and fabric scraps. Not only will you save money, but your cat will love the new playthings just as much as store-bought ones.

• Dog Food: Create your own nutritious dog food at home with simple ingredients like meat, vegetables, and rice. You can control what goes into the food, ensuring your dog stays healthy and happy.

• Chicken Feed: If you have chickens, you can supplement or entirely replace their feed by using leftover garden scraps and farming bugs like mealworms. Your chickens will thrive, and you’ll save money on feed.

• Homemade Pet Beds: Craft comfortable pet beds using old blankets, pillows, or repurposed fabric. A DIY pet bed can be as cozy as the store-bought kind, and you can customize it to match your home décor.

• Dog Sweaters: If you live in a cold climate, make your dog cozy sweaters from old t-shirts or knit your own. You can save money on store-bought clothing and keep your pets warm during the winter months.

• DIY Bird Feeders: Make bird feeders from recycled materials like plastic bottles or wood scraps. Attract birds to your garden with easy DIY feeders, and enjoy watching nature right in your backyard.

• Candles: Create your own candles using beeswax or soy wax, scented with essential oils. Homemade candles are a great way to make your home feel cozier, and they also make great gifts.

• Holiday Décor: Save money on expensive holiday decorations by making your own from recycled materials. You can create festive wreaths, ornaments, and other decorations that will add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations.

• Greeting Cards: Design and craft your own greeting cards using paper scraps, stamps, and ink. Homemade cards are more thoughtful and meaningful than store-bought ones, and you can customize them for any occasion.

• House Rugs: Use old t-shirts or fabric scraps to make rag rugs for your home. These durable rugs are perfect for high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom, and they’re a great way to recycle old fabric.

• DIY Picture Frames: Make picture frames from reclaimed wood or repurposed materials to display your family photos or artwork. Customize them to match your home’s aesthetic while saving money.

• Homemade Soap: Learn how to make soap from scratch with simple ingredients like lye and oils. Homemade soap is gentler on the skin and can be customized with your favorite scents and additives like oatmeal or lavender.

• Homemade Wrapping Paper: Get creative with recycled paper, newspaper, or old maps to make unique and eco-friendly wrapping paper. Add a personal touch with stamps, doodles, or natural embellishments like twine and dried flowers.

• Bug Repellent Candles: Keep bugs at bay while enjoying time outdoors by making your own bug repellent candles using citronella oil. These candles are both functional and environmentally friendly.

• Car De-Icer Spray: Prepare for icy winter mornings by making a car de-icer spray with simple ingredients like rubbing alcohol and water. It’s a quick and effective way to clear your windshield without having to scrape ice.

• Seedling Pots: Recycle materials like egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, or newspaper to create biodegradable seedling pots for starting your garden. Once the plants are ready to be transplanted, you can plant the whole pot in the ground.

• Weed Killer: Make an all-natural weed killer using vinegar, salt, and dish soap. This homemade solution is a safe and eco-friendly way to eliminate weeds from your garden or driveway.

• Rainwater Collection System: Build a rainwater collection system using barrels and downspouts to store water for your garden. This eco-friendly method reduces your water bill and ensures your plants stay hydrated during dry spells.

• DIY Raised Garden Beds: Build raised garden beds from recycled wood or pallets to make gardening easier and more efficient. Raised beds improve drainage and soil quality, making them ideal for growing vegetables and herbs.

• Herb Drying Rack: Make your own herb drying rack using wood or string to preserve herbs from your garden. Drying herbs is a simple way to store your harvest for use in cooking or teas throughout the year.

• Fire Starters: Create easy-to-light fire starters using dryer lint and melted wax. These DIY fire starters are perfect for camping, grilling, or emergency survival situations.

• Solar Oven: Build a simple solar oven using cardboard, aluminum foil, and a glass cover. A solar oven can cook meals or heat water without using electricity or fuel, making it an essential tool for survival and off-grid living.

• Survival Candles: Make long-lasting survival candles using cans, wax, and wicks. These candles can provide light and warmth in case of a power outage, and they’re easy to store.

• Homemade Compass: In a survival situation, you can make a simple compass using a magnetized needle and a bowl of water. This DIY compass will help you navigate if you get lost in the wilderness.

• DIY Emergency Blanket: Make an emergency blanket using reflective Mylar and duct tape. These blankets are lightweight and can help retain body heat in cold environments.

• First Aid Kit: Assemble your own first aid kit with essential items like bandages, antiseptics, and pain relievers. A homemade first aid kit is a cost-effective way to prepare for emergencies.

• DIY Shelter: Learn how to build a makeshift shelter using tarps, rope, and natural materials. A DIY shelter is a vital survival skill in emergency situations when you need protection from the elements.

• Beekeeping: Start beekeeping in your backyard by building a simple hive from wood. Bees are essential for pollination and can provide you with fresh honey and beeswax.

• DIY Chicken Coop: Build a chicken coop using reclaimed wood or other repurposed materials. Raising chickens for eggs and meat is a great way to become more self-sufficient.

• Herb Garden: Create a container herb garden for your kitchen or backyard. Growing your own herbs is an easy and cost-effective way to have fresh herbs year-round.

• Composting Toilet: Build a composting toilet for your off-grid cabin or homestead. This eco-friendly solution turns human waste into compost and reduces water usage.

• DIY Greenhouse: Construct a simple greenhouse from PVC pipes and plastic sheeting to extend your growing season and protect plants from harsh weather.

• Solar Water Heater: Make a solar water heater using black hoses and sunlight to heat water for your homestead. This simple, off-grid solution is perfect for reducing energy costs.

• Soap Making: Learn how to make soap from scratch using lye and natural oils. Homemade soap is healthier for your skin and can be customized with essential oils and herbs from your garden.

• Homemade Butter: Churn your own butter at home with just heavy cream and a little effort. Fresh, homemade butter is tastier and more nutritious than store-bought versions.

• Canning & Preserving: Preserve fruits, vegetables, and meats with canning to extend the shelf life of your food and reduce waste. Canning is an essential skill for anyone looking to become more self-sufficient.

• DIY Wind Turbine: Generate your own electricity with a homemade wind turbine. Using a few simple materials, you can harness wind power to charge batteries or provide electricity for your home.

As you embark on this journey of creating your own products and embracing a self-sufficient lifestyle, you're not just saving money—you're also gaining the skills to be prepared for any situation.

Whether it's making your own household items, growing your own food, or preparing for unexpected challenges, becoming more independent is the key to thriving in uncertain times.

Prepare for long-term crises with Operation Blackout, a survival guide covering long-term preparedness strategies.